Arsenal’s search for an experienced goalkeeper looks to have stepped up a gear after Dutch international Maarten Stekelenburg said he wants to join the club, while Gianluigi Buffon’s agent also suggested a move could be on the cards.

Maarten Stekelenburg has said he wants to leave Ajax in the summer (Getty)

Manager Arsene Wenger is keen to sign an experienced head between the posts, especially after a disappointing campaign has effectively ended Manuel Almunia ‘s Gunners career.

The French manager already has youngsters Lukasz Fabianski , 25, and Wojciech Szczesny , 20, to call upon but wants a proven, top-level keeper to guide them – as evidenced by his short-term solution of tempting former No.1 Jens Lehmann out of retirement for the final months of this season.

The 41-year-old former German international has no intention of staying on beyond this summer, however, and Wenger is thought to now be turning his attentions to other possible signings.

Stekelenburg, 28, has issued an open invitation to Wenger to make a bid, stating: ‘I have possibly played my last game for Ajax.

‘If an offer from Arsenal arrives, I will leave.’

Juventus may be prepared to sell Gianluigi Buffon this summer (EPA)

Gunners supporters will also be interested to read comments from Silvano Martina, the agent of Italian international goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon.

Speaking about the 33-year-old’s future at Juventus – and speculation that Arsenal have made enquiries about his availability, Martina said: ‘Will Gigi stay at Juventus? I don’t know, we will have to evaluate things with the club.

‘I know [Arsenal] need a goalkeeper, and of course they are a very important club. But so far I have not had any contact with them.’

Buffon remains the world’s most expensive goalkeeper after joining Juve from Parma for £33million in 2001.